Issue 44

GM, Winelands ☕️

Can we all agree that the Winelands tends to become even better once the weather cools down a bit? Suddenly the wine feels cosier, the long lunches last longer and everyone becomes far more enthusiastic about “just one more glass” near a fireplace 😌

I’ve got intimate live music evenings, wine club dinners, mountain festivals, art after dark, cosy winter specials and enough markets and outdoor plans to completely fill your weekend calendar if you let it.

Personally, I think Sunday’s weather alone deserves some special plans!

So as always, I’ve done the scrolling, planning and overthinking for you and pulled together the things you want to know about first. FOMO for the ‘insiders’? Never.

Here’s what’s I’ve got for you today 👇

  • Things To Do & Events

  • Community Highlights

  • Little Insiders

  • Eye Catching Deal: Midweek Winter Stay OR Spa Special

  • Weather

  • Property Of The Week: Stellenbosch Gem

  • Mind, Health & Fitness: Building Habits vs Time

  • A Little Extra Inspo: Sweet Potato + Peanut Butter Bowl

👉 Community: The Winelands Insider is read more than 10,000 times a month by people from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West.

👉 Loved today’s read? Spread this email + follow @winelandsinsider so you’re always in the know.

With ❤️ from M at Winelands Insider.

TOGETHER WITH EYE LASER CLINIC

SEE THE WINELANDS DIFFERENTLY 👁️

There’s a reason Eye Laser Clinic has become such a trusted name in eye care across the Winelands and Cape Town. Since 1993, they’ve helped thousands of patients improve, restore and better understand their vision - combining world-class technology with a genuinely personal approach to care.

Whether you’re tired of relying on glasses, exploring laser correction options, dealing with dry eyes or looking into cataract treatment, their team offers a full range of modern eye care services under one roof.

They did my friend’s eyes and his reaction was simply: “It changed my life” 👀

Led by Dr Johann Krüger, an internationally recognised refractive surgeon, alongside Dr Wilna Rautenbach, whose expertise includes cataract, refractive and corneal surgery, the clinic focuses on tailored care rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Services include:
• Laser vision correction
• Cataract surgery & premium lens solutions
• EVO Implantable Contact Lenses
• Dry eye treatment
• Retina & diabetic eye care
• Glaucoma management
• Corneal treatments & keratoconus care
• General ophthalmology consultations

📍 Tygervalley | +27 21 9100 300 📍 V&A Waterfront | +27 21 180 0550 📍 Paarl | +27 21 180 0295

LOCAL EVENTS

🎭 ARTS + CULTURE

Last Thursday: A Toasty Night Out
📅 Today | From 17:00 📍 RELEVANT Art Gallery, Paarl
A relaxed Paarl “Last Thursday” evening filled with local art, wine and good conversation. Pop in for a warm creative atmosphere and an easy night out in town.
🎟 Walk-ins welcome - Details here

Vrede - Kom Huistoe
📅 Fri. 29 May | 18:00-20:00 📍 Heuer Pianos, Stellenbosch
The beloved Afrikaans duo Vrede returns to Stellenbosch for an intimate evening of folk, soft rock and contemporary Afrikaans music in one of the town’s most unique performance spaces.
🎟 From R350 pp - Book here

Nataniël in Concert
📅 Fri. 29 May | 19:00 📍 Paarl-Vallei Gemeente
Nataniël returns to Paarl for an elegant evening of stories, music, humour and nostalgia alongside acclaimed pianist Charl du Plessis.
🎟 R300 pp - Info here

Record Fair | Freedom 301 x Crate Diggers
📅 Sat. 30 May | 10:00-14:00 📍 Freedom 301, Paarl
A laid-back Saturday vinyl session with crates to browse, hidden gems to discover and a soundtrack that makes leaving difficult. Perfect for collectors, music lovers and curious browsers alike.
🎟 Free entry - No booking required

Breaking the Mould - Official Book Launch
📅 Sat. 30 May | 10:00-12:00 📍 Die Stal, Coetzenburg
An uplifting morning of stories, resilience and conversation celebrating the launch of Toni Mould’s new book. Expect meaningful conversation and a warm local atmosphere.
🎟 RSVP essential - Details

First Thursdays Stellenbosch - Art After Hours
📅 Thu. 4 June | 17:00-20:00 📍 Central Stellenbosch
One of Stellenbosch’s best evenings to wander. Galleries stay open late while wine bars, cafés and creative spaces spill onto the streets for a relaxed night of art, wine and local discovery.
🎟 Free entry - Info

Mozart • Mambo • Merlot
📅 Fri. 5 June | 19:00 📍 Endler Hall
A vibrant evening where classical music meets rhythm and local wine culture featuring Charl du Plessis, Richard Cock and the Cape Town Festival Orchestra.
🎟 From R200 pp - Book

Worth the drive….🚗

Where Opera Meets Art
📅 Sat. 6 June | 15:00 📍 FOMO Art Gallery
A beautiful afternoon overlooking Pringle Bay where opera, contemporary art, food and nature come together in one unforgettable setting.
🎟 R500 pp - Info

Watershed Live at Elgin Railway Market
📅 Sat. 6 June | Evening performance 📍 Elgin Railway Market
One of South Africa’s favourite live acts heads to Elgin for a winter evening of music, food stalls, local drinks and relaxed market energy.
🎟 From R320 - Book

🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY

Sip & Savour @ The Mountains
📅 Sat. 30 - Sun. 31 May 📍 Beuld The Venue, Robertson
A cosy winter wine festival bringing together Robertson wine farms, live music, mountain views and relaxed family-friendly festival energy.
🎟 From R100 - Book here

Diemersfontein Country Market
📅 Sun. 31 May | 10:00-14:00 📍 Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington
A slow Sunday market filled with local makers, artisanal stalls, coffee, estate wines and live music.
🎟 Free entry - Details

🌾 HEALTH + WELLBEING

HERO Legacy Winter Warmer Outride
📅 Sat. 30 May | Ride starts 08:00 📍 Ford Paarl
A community cycle ride supporting the HERO Legacy winter campaign. Bring along warm clothing donations and enjoy complimentary coffee and post-ride beers.
🎟 Donation-based entry - Info

In Freedom & Health Weekend Seminar
📅 Fri. 5 - Sun. 7 June 📍 Stellenbosch
A reflective weekend seminar exploring emotional wellbeing, relationships and personal growth through practical discussions and faith-based guidance.
🎟 From R900 pp - Info here

Rise & Revive Experience
📅 Sat. 6 June | 06:30-09:30 📍 Stellenbosch Farms
A sunrise wellness experience blending movement, community and mindful resetting to kickstart the weekend differently.
🎟 From R549 - Book here

🍽 FOODIE EVENTS

Morgenster Quiz Night
📅 Today | 18:00-20:00 📍 Morgenhof Wine Estate
Swap your usual Thursday plans for a fun evening of wine, friendly rivalry and quiz-night energy with prizes up for grabs.
🎟 R600 per team - Details

Spek en Bone Wine Club - David & Nadia
📅 Today | 18:30 📍 Spek & Bone, Stellenbosch
An intimate set-menu dinner paired with celebrated Swartland wines from David & Nadia. One for serious food and wine lovers.
🎟 R1000 pp - Book

Wine Club: Vrede en Lust
📅 Today | 18:30 📍 Laborie Estate
A relaxed wine club evening with guided tastings, grazing platters and stories from Vrede en Lust.
🎟 R450 pp - Info

Ginologist Sensory Experience
📅 Until 31 May | 14:30-15:30 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
An immersive multi-sensory gin tasting experience exploring flavour, science and the craft behind gin through sight, smell, sound and taste.
🎟 R220 pp - Info here

Explore the World of Babylonstoren’s Olives
📅 Wed. 3 June | 10:00-15:30 📍 Babylonstoren
Step into the orchards for olive tastings, preserving techniques, lunch and behind-the-scenes insight into one of Babylonstoren’s most loved harvests.
🎟 R1600 pp - Details

Bake Your Own at Soetmelksvlei
📅 Fri. 5 June | 08:30-15:00 📍 Babylonstoren Farm
A beautiful hands-on baking workshop celebrating choux pastry and Babylonstoren’s almond harvest, complete with tastings and lunch included.
🎟 Info here

Curry Nights at Oude Werf
📅 Every Wednesday 📍 Oude Werf Hotel
Midweek curry nights featuring comforting curries, rotis, rice, dessert and a complimentary glass of wine.
🎟 R295 pp - Details

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Winelands Square Officially Opens This Weekend
📅 Sat. 30 May 📍 Winelands Square
Winelands Square officially celebrates its grand opening this weekend with live music, entertainment, food, drinks and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Expect a lively atmosphere as the centre welcomes its newest retailers - plus rugby on the big screen for those settling in for the afternoon.

Evergreen Sitari Brings Music & Retirement Conversations Together
📍 Somerset West
Evergreen Sitari is hosting a relaxed information evening combining retirement lifestyle insights with live music celebrating favourites from the 50s through to the 90s - plus burgers and beer included.

Hero Legacy Winter Drive Returns
📅 Sat. 30 May 📍 Paarl
The Hero Legacy Project is once again collecting blankets, jackets and warm essentials to help support vulnerable communities through winter.

Stellenbosch Street Store
📅 Sat. 30 May | 10:00-14:00📍 Stellenbosch
The Stellenbosch Street Store returns this winter, bringing together local churches, the municipality and community organisations to create a free and dignified shopping experience for members of the homeless community. The initiative allows people to choose warm clothing in a respectful environment during the colder months.
🎟 How to get involved here

LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)

Play Festival
📅 Sat. 30 May | 11:00-15:00 📍 The Hub, Somerset West
A relaxed family play festival celebrating imagination, creativity and community with activities designed especially for little ones.
🎟 Details here

Museum Saturday at Rupert Museum
📅 Sat. 30 May | 10:00-16:00 📍 Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch
A relaxed day of galleries, live music, workshops and family-friendly creative activities for all ages.
🎟 Free entry + optional ticketed experiences

EYE CATCHING DEALS

Stay 3 Nights, Pay for 2 @ Corner House Residence, Franschhoek
Cosy midweek winter stays in Franschhoek with added extras like MCC, rose petals and in-room massages available.
🎟 Details here

Autumn Spa Special at Coopmanhuijs
📍 Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa, Stellenbosch
A perfectly timed autumn reset. Enjoy a 60-minute Balancing Facial and Foot Massage followed by a glass of sparkling wine for the ultimate moment of calm this winter.
🎟 R599.95 pp - Here

WEATHER THIS WEEK

Crisp mornings but beautiful sunny afternoons, with temperatures climbing right up to 26°C on Sunday. Sat + Sun are your standout days for wine farms, markets, long lunches and anything outdoors.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

A genuine rare find in central Stellenbosch. Tucked away in one of the town’s most beautiful historic streets, this beautifully renovated three-bedroom apartment blends old-world charm with modern comfort effortlessly. Think original wooden floors, mountain views, generous living spaces and the kind of walk-everywhere location most people dream about.

The secure lock-up garage alone is gold dust this close to the centre, while the small three-residence block gives it a far more private, exclusive feel than most apartments in town. Perfect for anyone wanting the convenience of central living without sacrificing warmth, character or space.

👉🏼 Take a peak here

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS

A little inspo today > Most people quit too early. The truth is: good habits take time to feel natural.

🤍 Your habits aren’t failing… they’re forming. Start small, stay consistent, and let the little things slowly change your life.

Which habit are you building right now? 👇

A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO

Your week’s lunches are now sorted with this super tasty Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Bowl 🍠🥦

Instagram post

That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date with everything happening in the Winelands (that’s worth knowing about).

Thanks for reading, I appreciate it - M.

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